March is expected to break records for the amount of MOT tests taken in a single month.

New analysis released today by Kwik Fit, the UK’s largest MOT tester, reveals that this coming month will see the largest number of MOTs carried out in any single month since the introduction of twice-yearly registrations in 1999.

The new peak in tests comes because cars which were newly registered in March 2015 requiring their first MOT.

Three years ago a whopping 492,774 new cars were registered – the largest monthly figure since August 1998.

Analysis of 22.3 million new car registrations over the last 13 years reveals that almost one in five (18.9 per cent) cars were registered in March.

The increase in the number of cars being bought on personal contract plans (PCP) over recent years which has a significant impact on the ownership of those three year old cars.

In conjunction with the cars that were bought on PCP contracts and as fleet vehicles it is estimated that at least 389,000 three years old cars will be coming on to the used car market over the coming weeks.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, says: “March is always a peak month for MOTs, but this year it will be busier than ever as the record breaking new car sales of 2015 feed through.

“Our research has shown that many drivers tend to leave their MOT to the last minute but this can be a particular problem in March when all testing centres get very busy.

“Some owners don’t realise that they can have their car tested up to a month before their MOT expires and still keep the same anniversary, which helps to avoid a last minute panic.

“While thinking about the MOT it’s also worth remembering that maintenance is not just an annual activity – we should all be checking our cars regularly throughout the year.”

There is a quick and easy way for drivers to check the status of their MOT to ensure that they cannot miss it.

The tool is on the Gov.uk website and requires drivers to input their car registration of their vehicle.

After the registration number is entered it will ask you to confirm whether or not it has found the correct car.

Once you have entered that it will pull up information about the car informing when you car tax is due and when your MOT certificate expires.

There is another service that drivers can also use to check the MOT history of their current vehicle or one they are looking to buy.

The information provided on this service includes: if it passed or failed, the mileage recorded when it was tested,what parts failed at each test, and if any parts had minor problems and when its next MOT is due.

Here is how to set a reminder:

You can sign up to get free reminders by text message or email when your MOT is due.

You’ll get a reminder one month before your MOT is due.

You’ll get another reminder if you still haven’t had your vehicle tested 2 weeks before your MOT is due.

If you drive around without a valid MOT certificate then you can land a £1,000 fine.